Highlights of Retiring and Living in Panama
So why is Panama gaining in popularity among retirees, investors, and part-time expatriates? Not only because of increased publicity – Panama has more amenities, lower costs and lower crime rates than many other traditional retirement locations. In fact Panama’s advantages are unrivalled. Apart from tax advantages and privacy advantages, consider the following 10 reasons to retire in Panama –
- Panama has a stable government and a growing economy.
- The US dollar is the legal tender. Panama has a stable economy that has been based upon the U.S. Dollar since 1904.
- Residents pay no tax on foreign earned income.
- Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama with the same rights and protections as Panamanians citizens.
- Panama has modern hospitals and health care facilities with many US trained English speaking doctors available.
- Pensionado or Retiree program, the best in the world.
- One of the biggest plus of retiring in Panama is the affordable cost of living. Panama is substantially cheaper than other competing destinations.
- Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America.
- English is widely spoken.
- Panama has modern infrastructure with internet and cell phones all over the country. Excellent transportation and metro system.
Last but not least, Panama is beautiful. From cool mountain retreats like Boquete, to affordable beachfront property, or cosmopolitan city apartments overlooking a stunning harbor, the choice is yours. With real estate prices beginning to rise, you also have an opportunity to make a considerable return on your investment if you buy now. Rental property is in high demand particularly in the highland areas, so even if you are not looking to retire for a while this is an opportunity to get into the market and earn a return on your investment in the meantime. To view properties, farms, houses, condos, islands in different parts of Panama, visit our Real Estate Marketplace.
To encourage long term foreign investment, Panama does not require special permits, authorization or registration to qualify investors. The 1998 Investment Stability Law protects foreign investors for ten years following the registration of an investment, shielding them from changes in tax, customs duties, municipal and labor laws. Major companies doing business in Panama include Federal Express, DHL, PriceSmart/Costco, Marriott Hotels, Holiday Inn, Sheraton Hotels, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Hilton Hotels, Kansas City Southern Railways, United, Delta and American Airlines, Warranty Company of the Americas and Hutchison Whampoa, to name but a few. You will find just about every US franchise on the streets of the larger cities from Mc Donald’s, Dominos, KFC, Pizza Hut, TGIF to Dunkin Donuts etc.; luxury clothing lines such as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Dolce, and Gucci have stores in Panama City. You will feel right at home.
Over 80 banks have full service branches here including Scotiabank, MultiBank, Banco General, UBS, and there are no “brass plate” banks here. Panama is a growing international financial center with good communications and first world amenities.Below is a summary of the different Visa & Residency programs available in Panama. If you wish to view any specific program, just click in the Link.
| VisaProgram | Basic Requierement | Benefits |
| Self-Economic Solvency ‘Person of Means’ | One of these options:
| The program grants initial 2 years temporary residency and further the right to process the application for procurement of Permanent Residency, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Retiree (Pensionado) | Retiree (Pensionado) Applicant must receive a Pension (private or public) of $1,000/ month (+US 250 per each dependent) | Permanent Residency, duty free auto/ household and senior citizen discounts, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Reforestation Investor (Option 1) | Reforestation Investor applicant must invest 100K in a reforestation plantation field | The program grants initial 2 years temporary residency and further the right to process the application for procurement of Permanent Residency, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Reforestation Investor (Option 2) | Reforestation Investor applicant must invest 350K in a reforestation plantation field | Immediate permanent residency with the option of work permit, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Qualified Investor | Requires a US$ 500K in real estate/securities or US$ 750K Time deposit investment in local bank. Any option is required to be held for a minimum of 5 years | Grants immediate permanent residency status plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Friendly Country | Requires an economical asset by purchasing a real estate of no less than US$ 200K or setting up a time deposit for US$ 200K for 3 years in a Panamanian bank, or the professional link by having a formal labor contract with licensed company in Panama and conditioned to the procurement of a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. Applicant must come from one of the countries listed as “friendly country” | The program grants initial 2 years temporary residency and further the right to process the application for procurement of Permanent Residency, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Employment | Applicant must be employee by a company within the 10% of 15% (technicians or executives) Panamanian payroll | The program grants initial 2 years temporary residency and work permit and further the right to process the application for procurement of Permanent Residency, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Free Trade Zone Investor | Applicant that invest in free trade zone areas or call center. The investment amount vary upon the free trade area | The program grants initial 2 years temporary residency and further the right to process the application for procurement of Permanent Residency, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
| Professional Activities | Professional activities Applicant must hold a university degree for a professional activity not restricted by the Panamanian laws | The program grants initial 2 years temporary residency and further the right to process the application for procurement of Permanent Residency, plus Right to opt for Panamanian Nationality & Passport after 5 years. |
In BusinessPanama, we have licensed real estate agents, lawyers, insurance specialists, mortgage brokers, investment advisors and other professionals to assist you on all your retirement needs.
We can help you with:
- Locating properties in Panama City, Beaches, Islands or Mountains
- Forming a company to own your property
- Legal services to purchase the property
- Applying for your residence program
- Title insurance
- Home owners insurance
- Others
For more information, please contact us.
